Tesco announces sale of Czech and Slovak businesses to Ahold Delhaize

Tesco’s network of 360 owned hypermarkets, supermarkets, and convenience stores, as well as over 100 franchise locations will be transferred to Ahold Delhaize, pending regulatory approval. The deal is reported to be worth around €1.2 bn. This would mark Ahold Delhaize’s first entry into the Slovak market. However, in Czechia, Tesco’s stores will likely be combined with its existing Albert banner, giving the Dutch retailer a market leading position.  

Analyst, Theo O’Flynn‘s view

It was first reported that Tesco was considering selling its Central and Eastern European estate in July, as it looks to refocus on its core businesses in the UK and Ireland. For Ahold Delhaize, the move will significantly increase its European presence, building off its experience in integrating acquired store networks. It will also allow it to scale its private label and buying operations, better equipping the retailer to compete with the increasing dominance of discounters in the region.

Kaufland brings specialist beauty into hypermarkets 

Kaufland Romania has introduced a new Beauty Zone concept to its store at Barbu Văcărescu Street in Bucharest, bringing together around 4,000 beauty and personal-care products, including more than 600 additions to its existing range. The space features dedicated areas for emerging trends such as Korean beauty and Arabic fragrances, alongside an AI-powered skin analysis mirror, make-up testing and nail services. Kaufland’s own-brand Bevola also has a dedicated area, with an expanding range spanning haircare, bodycare and fragrances. 

Insight Analyst, Ziwei Huang‘s view

This pilot suggests Kaufland is repositioning beauty from a functional grocery category into a destination category that can drive traffic and increase basket spend. It also highlights the growing importance of responding quickly to emerging trends. Social-media-led trends are entering mainstream Romanian grocery retail, putting pressure on retailers to identify new demand earlier and bring relevant products to market faster.

Auchan Romania pilots smart carts 

Auchan has launched a Smart Cart pilot in Romania, allowing shoppers to scan items as they shop, track spending in real time and transfer their basket directly to self-checkout. The solution builds on the retailer’s existing Scan & Pay ecosystem, avoiding the need for new integrations while leveraging its loyalty programme and digital infrastructure. The move follows strong growth in Scan & Pay, with revenue from the service increasing by 35% in 2025. 

Insight Analyst, Bently Briggs’ view

CEE retailers are continuing to keep pace with global retail innovation. While smart carts are more commonly associated with markets such as the US and Singapore, Auchan Romania’s pilot demonstrates growing investment in convenience-led technology across the region. By building on existing digital infrastructure rather than introducing a standalone platform, the retailer can enhance the customer experience while keeping implementation and operational complexity low. 

Dino Polska launches first-ever self-checkouts

The Polish supermarket operator has introduced self-checkouts to stores for the first time. These will sit alongside its traditional manned checkouts and are intended to support small-basket shops. Dino is also investing heavily in developing its logistics, network, and new customer solutions.

Image source: IGD

Analyst, Theo O’Flynn’s view

The introduction of self-checkouts represents a significant evolution of Dino’s strategy. The chain is known for focusing on a simple store format and delivering value. However, it is now bringing modern optimisations into its stores for the first time. It is likely to continue developing its format as its network expands rapidly across the Polish market.

Danone reshapes its Turkish beverage portfolio 

Danone Türkiye has agreed to sell its Sırma, Hayat and Akmina water and beverage brands to local player Ceylan İşletme ve Yatırım. Once completed, the brands will join Ceylan’s existing Ceysu portfolio, while Danone will focus more closely on dairy, plant-based, infant and medical nutrition. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2027, subject to regulatory approval. 

Insight Analyst, Ziwei Huang ‘s view

The deal could strengthen local ownership and supplier concentration in Turkey’s bottled water market, potentially reshaping retailer negotiations, promotional strategies and brand positioning. For shoppers, the immediate impact may be limited, but changes in pricing, assortment and promotions could emerge as the brands are integrated under one portfolio.